Politics is a Funny Business

Sometimes it is funny how what looks like a liability can turn into a strength (and vice versa):
Politics of Patriot Act Turn Right for Bush

Only months ago, Democrats were targeting the controversial USA Patriot Act as an ideal issue to use in their campaign against President Bush, assailing the law as an intrusion on civil rights. But in a turnabout, the act has suddenly emerged as a cornerstone of Bush's reelection campaign, while Democratic rival Sen. John F. Kerry and others have toned down their criticism.

I have noticed how the administration has been very clever using the "wall" imagery to get their point across in regards to the Patriot Act--it is a simple and evocative description. And regardless of the complexities of the issue beyond simply FBI-CIA interchanges, it is an effective piece of political communication.